METRO Vancouver has received the prestigious Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, recognizing the strength of its 2020 annual financial report.

“Metro Vancouver provides critical services that contribute to the growth and prosperity of our region, and while doing so must operate from a position of financial strength while maintaining a solid reputation for prudent fiscal management and progressive financial policies,” said Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors. “This award builds on Metro Vancouver’s financial credibility and helps to increase public confidence in our practices.”

The award recognizes Canadian local governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare annual financial reports that show the spirit of transparency and full disclosure. Receiving the award is a significant accomplishment by a local government and its management.

“This award is meant to encourage continuous improvement in local government financial reporting, and provides valuable peer recognition and important feedback,” said Jerry Dobrovolny, Commissioner and CAO of Metro Vancouver. “As an organization, we pride ourselves on ensuring sound fiscal policies that balance long-term financial sustainability while maintaining affordability for regional ratepayers. The recognition from this award helps our member jurisdictions and the public to better understand our financial operations.”

Metro Vancouver’s 2020 annual report was judged by impartial Canadian Review Committee members to meet the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting program’s high standards, including clearly communicating the regional government’s financial story and motivating others to read the report.

Reviewers provided technical guidance for future reports and commended Metro Vancouver for producing a “very good report” for its residents and other interested groups.